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Help! What sound system do I have and how does it work?

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rreiffer

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hello all,

I have a USA Trains NW-2 that has a sound system built into it. Now here are soem questions and observations:
[*]The sound system is built into the fuel tank and speaker is the entire bottom of the tank.[*]On one side of the tank is what appears to be a volume control.[*]The bulk of the time the train starts to whistle after a few seconds of forward motion and continues to whistle while it runs.[*]Every now and then (especially when I reverse the engine) it clangs the bell. Now I have not been able to repeat this effect consistently.[*]From my understanding the sound units were factory installed (based upon their history).[/list] Ok, any ideas on what or how this thing operates?
Image


Rich
 
#2 ·
I don't know what sound system is in the engine, but the symptoms sound familiar. Somewhere in the engine is a battery. When the battery is low, the whistle seems to blow constantly. If you are lucky, there is a charging plug somewhere on the engine, get the correct charger. If not you have two other choices: run the engine for several hours and put cotton in your ears, this should put a charge the battery, or most USAT engines have a motor switch, turn the motor off and set the engine on the track with power. This should charge the battery after several hours. If all else fails, replace the battery.

Chuck N
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Chuck,

Thanks for the input. The engine does have a motor switch. There is also what appears to be a plug behind the cab centered on the engine at the top of the rear stairs. Maybe that has something to do with it. Any idea of how it is supposed to work?

Rich
 
#4 ·
If it is a round hole, then it is most likely where you plug in the battery charger. My engines with sound systems use a standard 6 volt charger. You can probably get a suitable charger at Radio Shack. Take the engine in to make sure the charger has the proper plug. If you can't find a charger, then just put it on the track with the lights on (this will let you see that you are getting power to the engine) and the motor off. Set the transformer to about 3/4 power. This will take at least 6 to 10 hours. If none of this works, you may have to buy a new battery.

Chuck N

One other suggestion is to call Charles Ro and ask them (781-321-0090). They are the manufacturers for USA Trains. They should be able to answer all of your questions, and probably sell you a charger and a new battery if you need it.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks all for the tips so far. I did try turning the motor off but interestingly enough the engine still want to run! Obviously someone miswired the engine. Does anyone have a diagram for the engine?

Rich
 
#9 ·
Rich[/b]
>There is also what appears to be a plug behind the cab centered on the
>engine at the top of the rear stairs. [/b]
On a stock model, this is where you could connect an LGB style power pick-up
for trailing car lights. [/b]

The booklet advises AGAINST connecting two engines via this connector.[/b]

the_Other_Ray[/b]
 
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#10 ·
I don't think USA put a sound system in that locomotive from the factory. Sounds like you have a Sierra sound system that the battery has gone dead. Short toots of the horn/whistle is a good indication of that. There are two rivets on the back which (from the factory) are connected to the pick up circuit, maybe the person that installed the system connected them to the charging circuit of the Sierra??? or is there a regular phono jack on the loco, which will take a charger6VDC tip +. Nick Jr
 
#11 ·
For years, USAT has offered optional sound. I believe the reference is still on their web site.

That said, without pictures, we cannot tell if it is from USAT or installed later.

How about some pictures?

Regards, Greg
 
#12 ·
The USAT add says 'Optional Sound System Available' which is the same service as Aubins offers. They will install the sound system, Sierra or Phoenix, if you buy it from them + installation. If USAT would have installed it I am sure the Motor switch would still be functional. Only 4 screws hold the fuel tank on, or if you want to remove the whole shell only 4 hold that on also, I don't think you have to remove the cab. Post a pic and I'm sure someone can ID the unit. Nick Jr
 
#14 ·
This also could be a dallee system. I saw one of these in an NW2 before. Could not get it to even make a sound and I installed a new Battery in the system. Later RJD
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Thanks everyone for the help so far.

Here are some pictures of the sound system (slightly fuzzy but you should get the idea):





The little knob on the side controls the volume. Now I let it run for about 3 hours the other night and it STILL wants to make the really cool diesel horn sound.


If life was frustrating enough, now one of the trucks is making a grinding sound, so I believe it's time to order a new one. Any idea on how to take this engine apart? Does anyone have a good link to some visual directions for this?
Image
Thanks

Rich
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
OK, I just got lucky, my other NW-2 had a bad truck/motor (this is good luck?) Anyway, I check the wheel gears on the unit making the grinding noise and sure enough they were worn out. So I simply stole the wheel gears from the dead unit and put them into the main NW-2 and now all is well (at least with the first unit - I'll still have to order a new truck/motor for the second unit but now at least it's only one!).

Now that being said I am still figuring out the sound!
Rich
 
#17 ·
If that is a nw2 cow or calf, I used to collect them in one or a couple of the boxes Ro offered a sound system don't remember the price but it was cost effective if the sound was good, but upon inquiring about it that was a couple of years ago they told me they quit making them and were no longer available anymore, so I suspect it is one of those for the nw2's. A guy you might get in touch with is Al Kramer of the old San Val trains he is still on e bay as Ana.Kramer just look up track leveling guides in aristo, or switches they are the best any one of his auctions, will let you email him a question just ask him I'll bet he knows about that system. The Regal
 
#18 ·
If you take the 4 screws out of the tank and turn it over and take a picture we can tell you what you have, im thinking it might be a P and H system but need to see the board, also you can order replacement wheels from USA for the loco you dont need to replace whole truck....9.99 a pr.
 
#19 ·
Posted By rreiffer on 28 Aug 2009 10:02 PM
Chuck,

Thanks for the input. The engine does have a motor switch. There is also what appears to be a plug behind the cab centered on the engine at the top of the rear stairs. Maybe that has something to do with it. Any idea of how it is supposed to work?

Rich Hi Rich.. I have one NW-2 and it does not come with a sound sys... It has a switch for it and space for a spk. for it to go in the fuel tank..

On the back of the cab is a two pin plug that is a muting plug for a calif unit. Its not a changing plug..
On the front of the Eng is a handle on the Radiator that lifts up.. In side is 3 slide switches. One for Motor, one for Smoke and one for Lights..
It sould like you may have a Sierra sound unit.. Look around for toggle switches around the fuel tank.. Should be an off and on switch and a Vol. control switch..
Maybe a changing plug somewhere around the fuel tank..
I install Serria sound sys for yrs and that the most logital place to put the switches.
Also, if left not charged for a long time most likey the batt needs to be replaced and that is in the Eng. compartment with the sound unit..

Hood front panel...
Image


More photos..
Muting two hole plug
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853022.JPG

Radiator Swithc access door.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853023.JPGhttp://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853024.JPG

Sound board Switches on Full tank on mine.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853025.JPG

Charging plug on mine.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853026.JPG

Eng. side view.
http://1stclass.mylargescale.com/no...853027.JPG

Hope this helps..Noel
 
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rreiffer
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